For many, Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to the summer season. It’s a 3-day weekend for a lot of folks who celebrate with beach trips, BBQs and picnics. This week, we are sharing an idea for an indoor picnic that also can work outdoors and includes a few suggestions for easy and delicious picnic foods. We share this week’s garden update and, of course, make note of the real reason for Memorial Day, a chance to honor those who have served in the armed forces, past and present.

PARLOR PICNIC

Kevin’s family used to enjoy what his mom Irene called “parlor picnics,” when the weather or time restraints (we have to work until 4:00 pm on Memorial Day) did not make an outdoor picnic feasible. It’s picnic foods enjoyed in the living room. As his sister recalls, “sitting on the floor – hotdogs in hand”. We take that idea a little further and make our living room more festive by adding a checkered tablecloth, some floral decorations and the flag centerpiece.    (See photo at the top of the page.)

In most cases, Memorial Day and Fourth of July decor are interchangeable – double patriotic duty!

Here are some delicious foods for the occasion. They work great for our parlor picnic, or any outdoor gathering!

EASY OVEN-BAKED BBQ CHICKEN

We don’t have a grill, but we enjoy BBQ chicken. Here is a tasty version you can make in your oven. Easy and good!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

You will need: Chicken, chili powder, your favorite bbq sauce.

This method can be used on small or large batches of any cut of chicken, with or without skin. Skin-on thighs are pictured. Adjust amounts of chili powder and bbq sauce to suit your taste.

Sprinkle chicken with chili powder. Bake for 1/2 hour. Coat each piece of chicken with                   2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, bake another 1/2 hour. Enjoy!

MICROWAVE CORN ON THE COB

Make corn on the cob quickly and easily in the microwave! Trim 2 ears of corn top and bottom so that they fit on a microwaveable plate as shown below (left). Microwave the corn on high for 6 minutes. One ear of corn will take about 4 minutes. Let sit 2 or more minutes before you open. To keep from burning your hands, use a paper towel to remove the hot corn husk and silk. Add your favorite toppings to the cooked corn. We like to spray ears with buttery spray and sprinkle with hot sauce or parmesan cheese.

 

RED, WHITE AND BLUE

For a simple, quick patriotic dessert, top store-bought sponge cake dessert cups with fresh sliced strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream! Delicious!

 

One of our go-to quick crafts is making a coffee can vase using appropriate decorative paper to cover the can. We cut a hole in the cover to keep the flowers contained. A simple and fun craft!

GARDEN UPDATE                                                                                                                                    

Our garden is beginning to take shape. The seedlings continue to grow and Kevin planted our tomatoes and peppers. We were surprised yesterday to see we already have a tomato!

And away we go!

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

“All we have of freedom, all we use or know, this our fathers bought for us,                               long and long ago.”                                                                                                                                          – Rudyard Kipling (Source: inspirational quotes and quotations.com)

MANY THANKS.

Of course, the real reason we celebrate Memorial Day is to pay tribute and give thanks to all those in the armed forces who have fought, and in many cases have given their lives, to insure our freedom. We are very grateful to the men and women who sacrifice so much to keep this country safe. If you have a chance, attend a parade or other event in your area to honor our servicemen.

Click on the link below for an informative video about the history of Memorial Day.

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history

Here are pictures of two of our favorite veterans, our fathers, William J. Drew (left photo), and Warren Wollschlager, shown with Irene and their attendants on their wedding day.

“How important is it for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes”                    – Maya Angelou (Source: Quotegarden.com)

Thanks to all who serve – past and present.

Roy and Kevin